Mildenhall Town manager Phil Weavers keen to embrace underdog tag following promotion to Isthmian League North Division

Boss Phil Weavers has encouraged his Mildenhall Town players to channel the spirit of the underdog as they prepare to begin life at a higher level.

Weavers’ side were the dominant force from start to finish on their way to winning the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division title by a 14-point margin last term.

However, the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division is likely to provide much sterner tests – leaving Weavers to call for a ‘change in mindset’ among his group of players.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s league opener at home against Grays Athletic (3pm), Weavers said: “As a club it’s all about us staying in the league – that’s the number one target. Finishing above that bottom four will ultimately be success, but the nature of our group and us as a coaching team, we have higher aspirations as well.

“I played most of my football at Step 4 and when I dropped into Step 5 I didn’t necessarily think there was much difference in terms of quality. The major differences were attitudes, application and fitness levels and that is where we excelled last season.

“Even when we were not playing well we were never short of hard work so hopefully we can exceed expectations. But we’re also under no illusions. It’s a level up and we’re going from being a targeted club at Step 5 to being one of the minnows in the division.

“We’ll need a change in mindset because we’re going to be the underdogs a lot of the time, but that dynamic suits us.”